Posted 12/7/07
Climate Change – Myths? Facts?
The Public Broadcaster, ‘Balance’ or ‘Spin’?
As people may or may not be aware, the ABC will be screening the 'documentary'- ‘The Great Global Warming Swindle’ on Thursday the 12th July at 8.30pm.
By all means have a look at this and draw your own conclusions; however the view of some in government climate agencies is that the program gives a poor interpretation of the available science. Below are some comments from a climate scientist colleague of mine:
‘This programme was produced by Channel 4 in the UK and is basically a well crafted piece of propaganda that uses fabricated figures, selective facts and a host of other techniques to persuade people that the enhanced greenhouse effect is a myth and that climate scientists are part of some global conspiracy.
The ABC board has been alerted (by a collective of concerned scientists) to the numerous scientific dissections of this programme that already exist, and the fact that it grossly misrepresents the opinion of others and makes a range of fraudulent claims. The board in their wisdom have decided to ignore this evidence and proceed with the screening, with a televised 'debate' to follow on 'Difference of Opinion'. Only one "climate" scientist (from a university) will be attending the debate on invitation. The 'con' case will be represented by people that are essentially lobbyists and not (or no longer) scientists. No government scientists will appear in the debate. Televised debates like this do not generally go well. As with intelligent design/creationism, it is difficult to debate someone who is free to make up whatever they feel fits their argument, while you yourself are constrained to keeping it real.
Anecdotal evidence has suggested that the screening of the 'Swindle' in the UK had some impact on British public opinion. It is well put together. Since the screening is very timely (there is an election coming up) - it is important that this orchestrated piece of misinformation should not be allowed to go ahead without some effort to let the truth shine. People should be free to watch the show, but should be aware of what they are watching.
A round up of critiques of the Swindle are available from the Australian Science Media website:
http://www.aussmc.org/Global_Warming_Swindle.php
A detailed critique, prepared by the Bureau of Meteorology's National Climate Centre, has been posted on the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society website:
This is an information access issue. The media's track record of presenting climate change information correctly is abysmal. While the attached article is lengthy, it is a point of reference to anyone who watches the programme and wishes to follow up on what they have seen. It is right that people be treated as intelligent and have access to full information. The critique will also provide an appreciation of how complex climate science is and why people should be wary of climate assessments made by non-experts, such as economists or geologists. If you have any discussions with people you think could benefit from access to this information, please pass it on. The more people that are aware that this documentary is 'completely' bogus, the better."
Have a look and make up your own mind.
Lachlan Milne
Environment Resource Officer
Macedon Ranges Shire
PO Box 151, Kyneton, Victoria. 3444
Ph (03) 5429 9659
Mobile 0407 227 317
Email: lmilne@mrsc.vic.gov.au